Apparatus for Controlling the Lateral Displacement of at least One Material Web with a Lath Securing Device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for controlling the lateral displacement of at least one material web, comprising one roller pivoting about a shaft, which roller comprises laths that extend in the direction of the shaft and that are arranged in circumferential direction of the roller, whereas each lath is mounted in such a way that it can be moved in the direction of the shaft. Furthermore the roller comprises at least one lath guiding device on which the movable laths are guided, whereas the lath guiding device comprises for each lath a respective region for guiding each individual lath. According to the invention the roller comprises at least one lath securing device which is used to protect the laths from being detached from the apparatus when the region for guiding the respective lath is defective, whereas the lath securing device comprises for each lath a respective region for securing each individual lath.

The present invention concerns an apparatus for controlling the lateral displacement of at least one material web which comprises a roller pivoting about a shaft.

In specific applications, particularly those involving the production or processing of textile webs in the textile industry, the roller comprises laths that extend in the direction of the shaft and that are arranged in circumferential direction of the roller. In this case, the laths can be moved in the direction of the shaft, so that a displacement of the laths results in a lateral displacement of the material web, for example, for providing a web guiding system or a web tentering system. For example, in DE 100 60231 C1 or in EP 1 149 790 A2 such an apparatus has been disclosed.

ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for controlling the lateral displacement of at least one material web comprises at least one roller pivoting about a shaft, which roller comprises laths that extend in the direction of the shaft and that are arranged in circumferential direction of the roller, whereas each lath is mounted in such a way that it can be moved in the direction of the shaft. Furthermore the roller comprises at least one lath guiding device on which the movable laths are guided, whereas the lath guiding device comprises a respective region for guiding each individual lath.

According to the invention the roller comprises at least one lath securing device which can be used to protect the laths from being detached from the apparatus when the region for guiding the respective lath is defective, whereas the lath securing device comprises a respective region for securing each individual lath. This guarantees a higher level of security when the apparatus is in operation. In particular this can prevent machines from being damaged or operating staff from being injured when laths rotating at high speed about the roller are being detached.

The respective region for securing an individual lath can be arranged in the interior of the lath. The region for securing an individual lath can have a header area which is able to protect the lath from being detached from the apparatus when the region for guiding the respective lath is defective. As a result, the header area of the lath securing device can catch the lath when the lath is detached from the apparatus and is flung away in radial direction because of the centrifugal forces. In particular, damage to the region for guiding the laths can involve that the region for guiding the laths is worn out or is breaking off of the lath guiding device.

The region for guiding a respective lath can comprise at least a recess which is able to receive the lath in a gliding manner so that the lath can be guided on the lath guiding device. For this purpose a clearance can be provided between the lath and the region for guiding the lath in order for the lath to be received in a gliding manner. The lath and the region for guiding the lath can be arranged in such a way that during normal operation the lath cannot be detached from the apparatus. The region for securing the laths can also have a recess which is larger than the recess of the region for guiding the laths. As a result, the lath securing device catches the lath when the lath is detached from the apparatus. It also prevents the lath from touching the lath securing device during normal operation of the apparatus, i.e., when the region for guiding the laths is not defective.

The lath guiding device can be produced from a first material, and the lath securing device can be produced from a second material which has greater hardness and/or abrasion resistance than the first material. The first material (lath guiding device) can consist of plastic material, for example, polyethylene (for example, PE 1000) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The first material can also consist of a different material that is able to guide the movable laths. The second material (lath securing device) can consist of metal, especially steel. The second material can also consist of a different material that is able to protect the laths from being detached from the apparatus when the respective regions for guiding the laths are defective. If the lath guiding device consists of plastic material, it provides an excellent basis for receiving the laths in a gliding manner, i.e., a lath—consisting, for example, of metal—can glide and thus be guided perfectly on the respective region for guiding the laths. However, plastic material has a higher degree of wear than, for example, metal. For example, wear can result from excessive web tension and a respective bending of the geometry or profile of the laths. This presents an increased risk that the recess which receives the lath in a gliding manner is enlarged through wear to the extent that the lath can be detached from the apparatus, or it involves the danger that the entire region for guiding the laths or a significant part of it breaks off, allowing the lath to be detached from the apparatus.

The laths can have a polygonal cross-section. In particular the laths can comprise the following regions in the cross-section:

-   -   a central support region on which at least one material web can         be placed,     -   a side region on each side of the central support region with         respect to a perpendicular running in radial direction, and     -   a holding region adjacent to each of the side regions, whereas         the holding region runs basically at right angles (for example,         90°±10°) to the perpendicular.

In particular, the perpendicular can run through the center of the roller (for example, the shaft) and the center of the central support region of the lath. The lath can have a symmetrical cross-section.

The region for guiding the laths can comprise a recess on each side with respect to the perpendicular. The recesses can basically run at right angles (for example, 90°±10°) to the perpendicular. The recesses are able to receive in a gliding manner the holding regions of the lath—which also run basically at right angles to the perpendicular—in order to guide the lath on the lath guiding device. The holding regions and the recesses are arranged in such a way that a detachment of the lath from the apparatus in radial direction is prevented during normal operation.

The roller can comprise a basic roller body, for example, a pipe on which the laths can be guided. The roller or the basic roller body can be pivoting about the shaft by using roller bearing means. The roller bearing means can be arranged outside of the region of the roller (outside of the interior space of the roller) enclosed by the laths and/or outside of the stationary section of the apparatus which makes it easier to maintain or exchange the roller bearing means without having to disassemble the apparatus.

The lath securing device can be attached to the lath guiding device. Alternatively it is also possible to attach the lath securing device to the basic roller body. The lath guiding device can be firmly connected with the basic roller body which is pivoting about the shaft by using, for example, a screw or pin connection. If the lath guiding device is arranged at right angles to the shaft, the lath securing device can also be arranged at right angles to the shaft. The lath securing device can be ring-shaped. The lath guiding device can be ring-shaped. The lath guiding device and/or the lath securing device can be designed as closed rings or can have at least one slot in the ring form. If the lath securing device, as well as the lath guiding device have a ring-shaped design, it is possible to glide the lath guiding device onto the basic roller body and attach the lath guiding device and the basic roller body to each other, and to glide the lath securing device onto the basic roller body and attach the lath securing device to the lath guiding device or directly to the basic roller body. As a result, it is possible to attach in a simple manner the lath securing device in the apparatus.

The laths can be continuous. Alternatively the laths can also be partitioned, in which case each lath comprises a first section and a second section in the direction of the shaft, whereas the first section and the second section of the particular lath are displaceable in relation to each other (partitioned laths). Through the partition a gap is formed between the first section and the second section of the respective lath. The lath guiding device can be arranged at a short distance from the gap. As a result, optimum support is provided for the partitioned laths.

In case the laths are partitioned the roller can have at least one protection means for a lath which protection means is arranged between the first section and the second section in the interior of the lath and which is able to bridge a gap between the first section and the second section of the respective lath in the direction of the shaft. This guarantees a higher level of security when the apparatus is in operation. In particular it is possible to prevent or reduce injuries resulting from accidental interference by the operating staff, for example, because of reaching with a finger into the gap between the first and second section of a respective lath, or because other objects, such as insertion aids (for example, straps or cords), get into the gap.

The apparatus can comprise at least one lath displacement means for moving the laths in the direction of the shaft, and at least one actuator. With at least one connecting element the actuator can be connected to the lath displacement means in such a way that an adjustment of the actuator results in an adjustment of the lath displacement means in order to move during operation at least the one material web placed on the laths laterally in the direction of the shaft. The connecting element can be adjusted in such a way that the adjustment of the actuator and the adjustment of the lath displacement means have a specific relation to each other. The relation can be adjusted as required. By adjusting the relation as required, it is possible to individually adjust the apparatus to any desired application. As a result it is possible to use different sizes or reinforcements for the lateral displacement while using the same control of the actuator. This is of special advantage because in this way the size of the lateral displacement can be adjusted in a simple manner to the type of material web, for example, a textile web or a rubber strip.

For example, the material web can consist of a textile web, a paper web, a plastic web or a rubber strip, especially for manufacturing tires.

The apparatus can be operated continuously. This has the advantage of accelerating the production process and saving expenses. Alternatively it is possible to have a discontinuous operation of the apparatus, for example, with a stop interval function for cutting the material web.

Moreover, the present invention concerns equipment for tire manufacturing or tire processing, which comprises any one of the apparatuses described above for controlling the lateral displacement of at least one material web.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first design of the apparatus with a roller;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a roller;

FIG. 3 a shows a cross-section of a lath;

FIG. 3 b shows a cross-section of a lath guiding device;

FIG. 3 c shows a cross-section of a lath securing device;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one end of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 shows an exposed side view of one end of the apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second design of one part of the roller;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a second design of the part of the roller shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows an exposed side view of a second design of the part of the roller shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 a shows a cross-section of a protection means;

FIG. 9 b shows a side view of a protection means;

FIG. 9 c shows a top view of a protection means;

FIG. 9 d shows a perspective view of a protection means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the apparatus for controlling the lateral displacement of at least one material web. The apparatus comprises a roller 1 pivoting about a shaft A. The roller comprises laths 2 that extend in the direction of the shaft A and that are arranged in circumferential direction of the roller 1. The laths 2 are arranged in such a way that they can be moved in the direction of the shaft A. In the design shown in FIG. 1 seven laths have been provided in circumferential direction of the roller 1. In general the number of laths depends on the diameter of the roller 1 and the width of the laths. In addition it is required to maintain a safety clearance between the laths 2 so that the laths 2 do not touch each other. However, this clearance should be small enough that the material web can be placed adequately on the roller and the operating staff cannot get injured by reaching into the space between the laths arranged in circumferential direction of the roller. For example, the laths can consist of metal, especially stainless steel. The laths can also have a coating that is adapted to the respective application.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a roller. The roller 1 comprises a lath guiding device 20 on which the different laths 2 are guided. The lath guiding device is also shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The lath guiding device 20 comprises for each of the laths 2 a respective region for guiding the laths 21.

The roller 1 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a lath securing device 22 which can be used to protect the laths 2 from being detached from the apparatus when the region for guiding the respective lath 21 is defective. The lath securing device 22 is also shown in FIG. 3 c and in FIG. 6. The lath securing device 22 comprises for each of the laths a respective region for securing the laths 23. This guarantees a higher level of security when the apparatus is in operation. In particular this can prevent machines from being damaged and operating staff from being injured when laths 2 rotating at high speed about the roller 1 are being detached.

In FIG. 2 the respective region 23 for securing a lath 1 is arranged in the interior of the respective lath 2. Here the region 23 for securing a lath 2 has a header area 23 a which is able to protect the lath 2 from being detached from the apparatus when the region for guiding the respective lath 21 is defective. As a result, the header area 23 a of the lath securing device 22 catches the lath when the lath 2 is detached from the apparatus and is flung away in radial direction because of the centrifugal forces. Here damage to the region for guiding the laths 21 can involve that the region for guiding the laths 21 is worn out or is breaking off of the lath guiding device 20.

FIG. 3 b shows a cross-section of a lath guiding device, and FIG. 3 c shows a cross-section of a lath securing device. The lath guiding device 20 shown in FIG. 3 b is ring-shaped and is basically shaped like a star. The lath guiding device 20 consists of a single piece. Each of the regions for guiding the laths 21 has a header area 21 a and a neck portion 21 b. The header area 21 a has a polygon-shaped design. The region 21 for guiding a lath 2 comprises two recesses 21 c between the header area 21 a and the neck portion 21 b. The recesses 21 c are able to receive the lath 2 in a gliding manner so that the lath 2 can be guided on the lath guiding device 20. For this purpose it is preferred to provide in the area of the recess 21 c a clearance between the lath 2 and the region for guiding the lath 21 in order for the lath 2 to be received in a gliding manner. The lath 2 and the region for guiding the lath 21 are arranged in such a way that during normal operation the lath 2 is prevented from being detached from the apparatus.

The lath securing device shown in FIG. 3 c is ring-shaped and is basically shaped like a star. The lath guiding device 20 consists of a single piece. The lath securing device comprises regions for securing the laths 23 each of which have a header area 23 a and a neck portion 23 b. The region 21 for securing the laths 2 also comprises two recesses 23 c which are larger than the respective recesses 21 c of the region for guiding the laths 21. As a result, the lath securing device 22 catches the lath 2 when the lath 2 is detached from the apparatus. It also prevents the lath 2 from touching the lath securing device 22 during normal operation of the apparatus, i.e., when the region for guiding the laths 21 is not defective.

In the design shown in FIG. 2 the lath guiding device 20 is produced from a first material, such as a plastic material, and the lath securing device 22 is produced from a second material, such as metal, which has greater hardness and/or abrasion resistance than the first material. In particular plastic material is suitable to guide the movable laths 2 and metal is suitable to protect the laths 2 from being detached from the apparatus when the respective regions for guiding the laths 21 are defective. However, plastic material has a higher degree of wear than metal. For example, wear can result from excessive web tension and a respective bending of the geometry or profile of the laths. This presents an increased risk that the recesses 21 c of the region for guiding the laths 21 which receive the lath in a gliding manner are enlarged through wear to the extent that the lath 2 can be detached from the apparatus, or it involves the danger that the entire region for guiding the laths 21 or a significant part of it breaks off, allowing the lath 2 to be detached from the apparatus.

FIG. 3 a shows a cross-section of a lath 2. The laths has a polygonal cross-section. In particular the lath 2 can comprise the following regions in the cross-section:

-   -   a central support region 2 a on which at least one material web         can be placed,     -   a side region 2 b on each side of the central support region 2 a         with respect to a perpendicular S running in radial direction,         and     -   a holding region 2 c adjacent to each of the side regions 2 b,         whereas the holding region 2 c runs basically at right angles to         the perpendicular S.

As shown in FIG. 2 the perpendicular S is a straight which runs through the center of the roller 1 (or the shaft A) and the center of the central support region 21 a of the lath 2. The lath 2 is symmetrical with respect to the perpendicular S.

As shown in FIG. 3 b the region for guiding the laths 21 comprises a recess on each side with respect to the perpendicular. The recesses 21 c basically run at right angles to the perpendicular. The recesses 21 c are able to receive in a gliding manner the holding regions 2 c of the lath 2—which also run basically at right angles to the perpendicular S—in order to guide the lath 2 on the lath guiding device 20. Therefore, the holding regions 2 c and the recesses 21 c are arranged in such a way that a detachment of the lath 2 from the apparatus in radial direction is prevented during normal operation.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the roller 1 comprises a basic roller body 24 in the form of a pipe on which the laths are guided. The roller 1 is pivoting about the shaft A by using roller bearing means 11. In particular the basic roller body is pivoting through the roller bearing means 11 on the stationary section of the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4 the roller bearing means 11 are arranged outside of the region of the roller 1 enclosed by the laths 1 and outside of the stationary section 10 of the apparatus (so-called external mounting) which makes it easier to maintain or exchange the roller bearing means without having to disassemble the apparatus. However, it is also possible to provide an internal mounting in the interior of the roller.

FIG. 6 shows that it is possible to attach or firmly connect the lath securing device 22 to the lath guiding device 21 by using, for example, a screw or pin connection. Alternatively the lath securing device 22 can also be attached to the basic roller body 24. The lath guiding device 20 can be firmly connected with the basic roller body 24 which is pivoting about the shaft by using, for example, a screw or pin connection. In FIG. 6 the lath guiding device 20, as well as the lath securing device are arranged at right angles to the shaft A. Here the lath securing device 22 and the lath guiding device 20 are ring-shaped, either designed as closed rings or having at least one slot in the ring form. With this design, it is possible to glide the lath guiding device 20 onto the basic roller body 24 and to attach the lath guiding device 20 and the basic roller body 24 to each other, and to glide the lath securing device 22 onto the basic roller body 24 and to attach the lath securing device 22 to the lath guiding device 20 or directly to the basic roller body 24. As a result, it is possible to attach in a simple manner the lath securing device 22 in the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1 in a first design of the roller the laths can be continuous. In this design a web guiding system can be provided by laterally displacing the material web, resulting in a change in position of the material web. In this way it is possible to guide the material web in an exact manner. The material web can be controlled toward the center of the web or it can be controlled toward the edge region of the web. The two ends of the roller can both be connected with a single actuator.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 in a second design of the roller the laths can be partitioned. Here each lath 2 comprises a first section 31 and a second section 32 in the direction of the shaft A, whereas the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the particular lath are displaceable in relation to each other. Through the partition a gap is formed between the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective lath. A symmetrical partition of the laths can be provided in which the laths 2 are partitioned in the center of the roller 1, or an asymmetrical partition of the laths in which the laths 2 are partitioned displaced from the center of the roller 1. In the design shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 it is possible to provide a web guiding system or a web tentering system. For example, in the web tentering system the material web is stretched over its width in order to prevent the material web from wrinkling. In this case the two ends of the roller can both be connected with a single actuator so that the first sections 31 and the second sections 32 of the laths 2 are displaced by the same actuator. However, it is also possible to connect the two ends of the roller with two different actuators so that the first sections 31 and the second sections 32 of the laths 2 are displaced by different actuators independent from each other. In the case that two different actuators are provided the design shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 can also be used to control the lateral displacement of two material webs independent from each other.

In FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 the lath guiding device 20 and also the lath securing device 22 are arranged at a short distance from the gap. As a result, optimum support is provided for the partitioned laths 2.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one part of the apparatus and FIG. 3 shows an exposed side view of the apparatus. The apparatus shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 comprises a lath displacement means 3 for displacing the laths 2 in the direction of the shaft A. In addition the apparatus comprises an actuator 4. The lath displacement means shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 comprises a steering wheel 7 and for each lath 2 bearing means 6. The lath displacement means 3 is arranged in the interior of the roller 1, or the steering wheel 7 and the bearing means 6 are arranged in the interior of the roller 1, i.e., inside the space enclosed by the laths 2. The actuator 4 is connected to the lath displacement means 3 by means of a connecting element 5 in such a way that an adjustment of the actuator 4 results in an adjustment of the lath displacement means 3 in order to displace during operation the material web placed on the laths 2 laterally in the direction of the shaft A. Here the adjustment of the actuator 4 and the adjustment of the lath displacement means 3 have a particular ratio to one another (also called adjustment ratio V).

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the adjustment of the actuator results in the fact that the connecting element 5 is swiveled about a fixed pivot D in relation to a stationary section 10 of the apparatus. As a result, the ratio is defined through a first lever arm between the actuator 4 and the fixed pivot D and a second lever arm between the fixed pivot D and the lath displacement means 3. The connecting element 5 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is a pivoted lever. One end of the pivoted lever is connected by means of a joint to the actuator 4, and the other end of the pivoted lever is connected to the lath displacement means 3.

The lath displacement means 3 comprises for each lath 2 bearing means 6. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the bearing means 6 is designed in the form of two reels so that each lath is mounted in such a way that it can be moved in the direction of the shaft A. The reels are low-friction rollers with reduced rolling friction, allowing the laths to be mounted in such a way that they have low friction movement. In addition the reels run on ball bearings which results in low friction and, consequently, in reduced wear. This is especially advantageous in a dry environment, as, for example, in tire manufacturing. Alternatively the reels can also be equipped with friction bearing, for example, in a wet environment, such as in textile production. In addition the reels have a curved (barrel-shaped) running surface. As a result, the two reels are always in perfect contact with the steering wheel when the steering wheel is adjusted. If the reels used have a plane running surface the distance between both reels has to be larger so that the reels are not always in perfect contact with the steering wheel.

In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the lath displacement means 3 also comprises a steering wheel 7. The connecting element 5 in the form of a pivoted lever is firmly connected with the steering wheel 7. In a starting position, the steering wheel 7 is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the shaft A, i.e., the steering wheel 7 forms a right angle with the shaft A. Therefore an adjustment of the steering wheel 7 represents the situation of the steering wheel 7 being swiveled toward the shaft A, i.e., the steering wheel 7 is set—either to the right or to the left in the direction of the shaft A—in an angular position of smaller than 90° toward the shaft A. The steering wheel 7 interacts with the reels of the laths 2 in such a way that an adjustment of the steering wheel 7 results in a displacement of the laths in the direction of the shaft. The reels belonging to a particular lath 2 are firmly connected with the lath 2. The reels are arranged on both sides of the steering wheel 7 in the direction of the shaft A, allowing the lath 2 to be moved in the direction of the shaft A. When the roller 1 is turning the reels rotate about the steering wheel 7 in circumferential direction. Here the displacement of the lath displacement means 3 represents a turning of the steering wheel 7 and a displacement of the reels in the direction of the shaft A. By providing the reels on both sides of the steering wheel 7 it is possible that the reels do not have to be decelerated when the direction of the lateral displacement is reversed in the direction of the shaft. This reduces the wear of the reels and increases the life of the apparatus.

Alternatively the bearing means of a lath can comprise only one reel which is connected with the lath and which is arranged between two steering wheels, whereas a clearance is provided between the reel and the steering wheel. However, in this case the reel is decelerated when the direction of the lateral displacement is reversed in the direction of the shaft, resulting in a higher degree of wear.

The actuator 4 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is an adjustable linear actuator and is arranged in such a way that the adjustment of the actuator 4 in a certain direction basically runs parallel to the direction of the shaft A. The actuator can be operated in electric, hydraulic or pneumatic manner. The actuator 4 is located inside a housing of the apparatus or the stationary section of the apparatus. As a result it is not accessible from the outside and therefore protected.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 it is possible to vary the adjustment ratio by using adjustment means 8. The adjustment means 8 are adjusted to displace the fixed pivot D of the connecting element 5 (or the pivoted lever), namely in a direction perpendicular to the shaft A. The displacement of the of the fixed pivot D is achieved in that the adjustment means 8 comprises at least a recess in the connecting element 5 through which different fixed pivots D are defined, as is shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Furthermore, the adjustment means 8 comprises a mounting device 9, for example, in the form of a pin or a screw with a retaining ring. By means of mounting device 9, the connecting element 5 is pivotally connected through the recess or recesses with the stationary section 10 of the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4 the adjustment means 8 comprises also recesses in the stationary section 10 of the apparatus. Here the connecting element 5 is pivotally connected with the stationary section 10 of the apparatus in that the mounting device 9 is arranged through one of the recesses in the stationary section 10 and a respective recess in the connecting element 5. The fixed pivot D of the connecting element 5 can be displaced by means of a removable pin connection in order to vary the adjustment ratio. The pin connection allows the connecting element 5 to be rotated about the fixed pivot D in relation to a stationary section 10 of the apparatus. This design provides a simple and cost-effective swivel arrangement and a simple and cost-effective adjustment of the ratio.

The adjustment means 8 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 comprises three recesses in the connecting element 5 and three respective recesses in the stationary section 10 of the apparatus through which three different fixed pivots D are defined, allowing the adjustment ratio to be discreetly adjusted. However, it is also possible to provide merely two fixed pivots or recesses, or more than three fixed pivots or recesses. Each fixed pivot D is defined by one recess, respectively.

Alternatively the adjustment means 8 can comprise even only a single recess in the form of a slot through which different fixed pivots D are defined. This makes it possible that the ratio can be adjusted continuously.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the removable pin connection can be located in a different recess prior to operation, which means that it can be displaced. When the roller 1 is rotating, or when the apparatus is in operation, the adjustment ratio is steady. However, the adjustment ratio can also vary when the roller is rotating, or when the apparatus is in operation, for example, by means of an actuator or automatically by means of a control system.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the adjustment ratio is usually smaller than 1, usually in a range of 1:1-1:5, approximately 1:1 or 1:2. For example, in a ratio of 1:2 and an adjustment of the actuator of 0.5 mm, the adjustment of the lath displacement means (or the reels and thus the laths) amounts to 1.0 mm. For example, the ratio can be adjusted from 1:1 to 1:2 or vise versa.

Through the possibility of adjusting the adjustment ratio it is possible to achieve different sizes or reinforcements of the lateral displacement of the laths 2 although otherwise the actuator 4 is controlled in a similar way. As a result, the size or reinforcement of the lateral displacement of the laths 2 can be adjusted in a simple manner to the type of material web, for example, textile web or rubber strip. Thus through the possibility of varying the ratio an individual adjustment can be made to the respective application of the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 6 the apparatus comprises at least a protection means 30 for a lath 2, which protection means is arranged between the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective lath in the interior of the lath 2. The protection means 30 bridges a gap 33 between the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective lath in the direction of the shaft A. This guarantees a higher level of security when the apparatus is in operation. In particular it is possible to prevent or reduce injuries resulting from accidental interference by the operating staff, for example, because of reaching with a finger into the gap between the first and second section of a respective lath. When the lath is not very thick, for example, ranging in size from 0.5 to 3 mm, especially approximately 1.5 mm, an accidental interference by the operating staff can cause only minor injuries, for example, slight bruises of the finger. In this case the protection means 30 prevents serious injuries from occurring, for example, the loss of the entire finger or a significant part of it.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 the gap 33 between the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective lath can be basically S-shaped. The first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective lath comprise a projection 31 a, 32 a, respectively, which projection extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the lath 2. The projection of the first section 31 of the respective lath and the projection of the second section 32 of the respective lath each cover only partially the width of the lath 2 and are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lath 2. Since the gap 33 is basically S-shaped it is possible to optimally guide the partitioned laths 2 on the roller 1 and to optimally guide the sections of the respective laths in relation to each other. Alternatively the gap can also be straight so that the first section and the second section of the respective lath can be butted against each other.

As shown in FIG. 6 the protection means 30 can be a shaped element. The protection means 30 comprises an external shape and length that allows the protection means 30 to be arranged floatingly in the interior of the lath 2. In particular the protection means 30 has an external shape that is adjusted to the contour of the lath 2. As a result the protection means 30 is able to move in the interior of the lath 2 in the direction of the shaft A in order to bridge in the direction of the shaft A the gap 33 between the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective lath. Because of the shape and/or length of the protection means 30 it is not necessary to use any additional means for attaching the protection means 30 to the apparatus.

Alternatively the protection means can also be firmly connected with a part of the apparatus. For example, the protection means can be mounted either on the first section or on the second section of the respective lath. If the roller comprises a basic roller body (as shown in FIG. 4), for example, a pipe, on which the laths 2 can be guided the protection means can be attached to the basic roller body.

The protection means 30 shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 has a length which is larger than a maximum gap 33 between the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective lath, i.e., the length of the protection means 30 is larger than a maximum displacement in opposite directions of the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective lath during operation. Thus it is guaranteed that at any time during the operation of the apparatus the operating staff is protected from injuries that could result from accidentally reaching into the gap 33, or that such injuries are reduced. Furthermore, it is not possible that other objects can get into the gap because the protection means 30 bridges the gap at all times during the operation of the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 a-d the protection means 30 comprises the following regions in the cross-section:

-   -   A central region 30 a which is able to bridge the gap 33 between         the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective         lath in the direction of the shaft A, and     -   A side region 30 b on each side of the central region 30 a with         respect to a perpendicular S.

The perpendicular S runs through the center of the central region 30 a of the protection means. If the protection means 30 is arranged in the interior of the lath 2 the perpendicular S runs in radial direction through the center of the roller 1 and the center of the central region 30 a of the protection means 30. The protection means 30 shown in FIG. 9 a is symmetrical in its cross-section with respect to the perpendicular S. This cross-section guarantees that the protection means 30 bridges the gap 33 at any time when the apparatus is operating, and that an optimum, especially floating, arrangement of the protection means 30 in the interior of the lath 2 is provided.

The movement of the protection means 30 in the direction of the shaft A can be limited so that the protection means 30 does not slip through the lath 2 in the direction of the shaft A, thus no longer being able to bridge the gap 33. The protection means shown in FIG. 9 a, FIG. 9 b and FIG. 9 d comprises a lug 34 which is able to limit the protection means from moving in the direction of the shaft A. The lug 34 extends over the width of a side region 30 b of the protection means 30 and is arranged outside of the center of the protection means in longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 8 the lug 34 is arranged inside the gap 33. The thickness or height of the lug 34 is in the range of the thickness of the lath 2 or slightly larger. The width of the lug is similar to the minimum adjustable distance between the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the respective lath in the direction of the shaft A or smaller. The lug 34 is arranged on the side of the protection means 30 facing the shaft A. The lug 34 makes it possible that the movement of the protection means 30 in the direction of the shaft A is limited. In addition, or alternatively, at least one lug can be arranged on the side facing away from the shaft, the side facing the material web. This lug can have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the gap.

The protection means 30 shown in FIG. 9 a-d comprises an external shape that corresponds to the contours of the support region 2 a, the side regions 2 b and the holding regions 2 c of the lath 2. Through this external shape of the protection means 30 it is possible to provide an optimum, especially floating, arrangement of the protection means 30 in the interior of the lath 2. Thus it is guaranteed that the protection means bridges the gap 33 at any time when the apparatus is operating. At the same time there is merely minimum friction between the protection means 30 and the lath 2.

The protection means 30 shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 consists of plastic material. This allows for a cost-effective production and, at the same time, noise generation and/or friction between the protection means and the lath is minimized. The protection means 30 can also be produced from a different material that allows for a cost-effective production and that makes it possible to minimize noise generation and/or friction between the protection means and the lath.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 9 can be used especially in a facility for manufacturing or processing tires. In this case the material web consists of a rubber strip. In a facility for manufacturing tires the speed of the material web (for example, in the range of 50 m/min) is typically lower than the speed of the material web in a facility for textile production (for example, in a range of 200 m/min). Since tires are manufactured in a dry environment the apparatus has to be adjusted accordingly. For example, it is possible to use ball bearing mounted reels in the apparatus. It is also possible to coat the laths appropriately, for example, with an anti-adhesive coating.

The apparatus can also be operated continuously, i.e., the control of the lateral displacement is performed when the roller is rotating. For example, this is the case when the apparatus is used in the facility of manufacturing tires along with the rewinding machine, the extruder and/or the calendar. Alternatively the apparatus can also have a discontinuous operation, i.e., for example, the lateral displacement is controlled with a stop interval function in which the roller is not rotating. For example, this is the case when the apparatus is used in the facility of manufacturing tires along with the cutting device. During the stop intervals the cutting device cuts the material web.

It is also possible to use the apparatus for different applications, for example in a facility for producing or processing textile web, in which case the material web is a textile web. The apparatus can also be used in a facility for producing or processing paper, in which case the material web is a paper web, or in a facility for producing or processing plastic foil, in which case the material web is a plastic web.

The apparatus can also comprise a detection means (not shown) for detecting the position of the material web. The apparatus can also comprise a control system (not shown) for controlling the lateral displacement. In this case the control device is connected with the detection means and the actuator in such a way that the control device analyzes signals of the detection means and respectively activates the actuator in order to control the lateral displacement of the material web. The detection means can comprise a web-edge sensor which detects the edge of the material web by means of a light beam and/or a camera. However, it is also possible to provide different types of detection means. 

1. An apparatus for controlling the lateral displacement of at least one material web, the apparatus comprises at least one roller pivoting about a shaft, wherein the roller comprises: laths that extend in the direction of the shaft and that are arranged in circumferential direction of the roller, wherein each lath is mounted in such a way that it can be moved in the direction of the shaft, at least one lath guiding device on which the movable laths are guided, wherein the lath guiding device comprises for each lath a respective region for guiding the laths, and at least a lath securing device which can be used to protect the laths from being detached from the apparatus when the region for guiding the respective lath is defective, wherein the lath securing device comprises for each of the laths a respective region for securing the laths.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the respective region for securing the laths is arranged in the interior of the respective lath.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the region for securing the laths comprises a header area which is able to protect the lath from being detached from the apparatus when the region for guiding the respective lath is defective.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lath securing device is attached to the lath guiding device.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lath securing device is ring-shaped.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lath guiding device consists of a first material, and wherein the lath securing device consists of a second material which has greater hardness, abrasion resistance, or both hardness and abrasion resistance than the first material.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second material comprises metal, in particular steel.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first material comprises plastic material.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lath guiding device comprises at least a recess which is able to receive the lath in a gliding manner so that the lath can be guided on the lath guiding device.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of a lath comprises: a central support region on which at least one material web can be placed, a side region on each side of the central support region with respect to a perpendicular running in radial direction, and a holding region adjacent to each of the side regions, wherein the holding region runs basically at right angles to the perpendicular.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the lath guiding device comprises a recess on each side with respect to the perpendicular, which basically run at right angles to the perpendicular, and wherein the recesses are able to receive in a gliding manner the holding regions of the lath in order to guide the lath on the lath guiding device.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the region for securing the laths comprises a recess that is larger than the recess of the region for guiding the laths.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lath guiding device is ring-shaped.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lath guiding device is firmly connected with a basic roller body of the roller which basic roller body is pivoting about the shaft.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein damage to the region for guiding the laths involves that the region for guiding the laths is worn out or is breaking off of the lath guiding device. 